BIG TWO FROZEN OUT AS ASCOT IS CALLED OFF

The eagerly-awaited clash between Queen Mother Champion Chase winner energumene and Arkle hero edwardstone is off after tomorrow’s meeting at Ascot was abandoned because of frost. Clerk of the course Chris Stickels announced an inspection for 4pm yesterday to assess the prospects of racing and had no option but to call off proceedings. he said: ‘There was not sufficient improvement, the track remains unraceable and, given the forecast, there’s no chance of us being raceable.’ There will be no turf racing for the fourth successive day with Market Rasen forced to cancel their card because of a frozen track, and haydock’s fixture tomorrow must pass a midday inspection today. Taunton are more optimistic their meeting tomorrow will survive.